Washington state has amazing trails that you need to hike if you are in the area. Washington is known for its amazing beauty, and cascades and volcanoes which have shaped the land for many years.
I’ve had the pleasure of hiking a in Mt St Helens area, the views are magical and the weather is also great in June, July and August.
Here is a few hikes worth sharing!
Siouxon Creek Trail Washington
Siouxon creek trail is perfect for biking or hiking, trail has many beautiful small waterfalls and even a water hole where you can take a swim in the crystal clear water.
It is about an 8-mile round trip hike, with lots of places to set up camp and stay overnight. There isn’t too much of elevation gain so you can bring kids or pets along for the hike as well.
If you enjoy being close to nature this is a hike for you. The trail can be quite crowded so keep that in mind, however I still felt I barely saw anyone.
Lava Canyon Trail Washington
Lava canyon is located on the south cascades by Mount Saint Helens volcano. It is a 5-mile round trip trail, but can be quite challenging because of the uphill battle you face coming back up the trail. Also, the most well-known part of the trail is the 125- foot suspension bridge with a fantastic view.
Lava canyon was created by huge amounts of lava that poured out of Mount saint Helens when it had its eruption in 1980, this trail is really amazing to hike if you want to understand the power of nature.
We do not recommend bringing pets for this hike since you do have to climb up a very steep latter at one point.
The trail is quite narrow at some points and it can also be wet, a pair of terrain shoes or sturdy runners is a must.
You need the Northwest forest pass/ parking pass for this hike!
Ape Cave Trail Washington
Ape Cave Trail is located just before the Lava Canyon trail. Unlike the Lava canyon which you hike down the canyon and then back up, Ape Cave trail goes up the mountain and right to the root of the St. Helens volcano.
The hike is an 11-mile round trip hike and most of it is through quite thick forest, but I think this hike is totally worth it; especially on a bright summer day when you can see the tops of Mt. Reineer and Mt Adams in the distance. The view on top is amazing, pack a lunch and start early to make it before temperatures get too hot.
The trail is not too crowded you will occasionally meet another hiker, while also being surrounded by mountain bikers the trail the big enough and smooth to bike on.
This hike is one of my personal favorites.
You will also need the Northwest forest pass for this hike
Johnston Ridge Trail
This trail ends at the Johnston ridge observatory giving it its name, just visiting the observatory is already amazing, seeing the huge volcano from still quite a close distance.
The trail itself is about 10 miles long, it is an in and out trail but definitely worth it. This trail takes you through the amazing landscape around the volcano, you can see how the eruption blasted down trees, lava debris and also spectacular views of the volcano itself.
At the trail end you can learn about the volcano at the observatory.
Monument pass is required for this hike.
Hiking in Washington
There is so many more hikes to see in this area, I highly recommend doing your research before you decide on which trails to hike. These are the ones that I have had the time to hike in the area. Many hikes can be long and especially during the summer and fall season the days can get hot so an early start is definitely recommended.
Remember to look up the trails in advance to see, if you have to purchase a parking/ hiking pass for the area. Most trails require some sort of pass so you don’t want to drive all the way out there to realize you will get a fine for not having the pass. Some places also have a box where you can pay cash and get a pass, but this requires that you have the right amount since no one is there to give you change.
Have you hiked in Washington state? We would love to know which hike was your favorite, please tell us in the comments below!
